ecision making is one of the most important activities in both our profes D sional and our private lives today. The literature on the subject has grown considerably over the last fifty years and it now covers many different approaches to the subject. These approaches range from that of creating a mathematical model of the decision situation under consideration, as in operations research and other forms of mathematical decision analysis, to those that are based on human and organizational behavior. Recently, those working in the field have begun to combine approaches to the study of decision situations that arise in organizations, in our personal lives and in the communities in which we live. This book is an attempt to assist those concerned with decision making to work with this combination of approaches. In the past, decision problems have been considered according to the condi tions under which they arise and to some extent in terms of the approaches available for their resolution. Writers on the subject who are mathematically oriented have devised a method of classifying decisions based on the type of mathematics that they suggest be used in the resolution of the problems. This approach leads to the division of decision situations into the categories of cer tainty, uncertainty, risk and competition. Deterministic models available in oper ations research have then been offered as the means of treating decision situations in the category of certainty.

Communication and Group Decision-Making takes stock of recent group communication research - with an explicit focus on communication processes. This book is recommended for academics professionals and researchers in communication and organization.

A report on a search of the psychological literature for information about the competence of jurors to find the facts in complex, protracted civil trials. The author noted that little research had focused directly on this issue and concluded that in legal fact-finding in complex civil trials, groups had advantages over individuals as decision makers.

A step-by-step guide to the most efficient and effective method for participatory group decision-making Are you frustrated by that common challenge called group decision-making? Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making can help! Clearly written and well organized, keep this book by your side and refer to it often. Groups you are part of will function better as a result. -- Peggy Holman, author, Engaging Emergence: Turning Upheaval into Opportunity For any group or organization to function effectively, it must be able to make decisions well. Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making is the first book to offer groups (and group facilitators) a clear and efficient path to generating widespread agreement while fostering full participation and true collaboration. Poised to become the new standard for group facilitation, Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making combines: Deep insight into complex group dynamics Effective conflict resolution techniques Powerful communication skills Groups using this simple, step-by-step approach experience increased cohesion and commitment and stronger relationships as a result of their successful cooperation. Incorporating the principles of collaboration, inclusion, empathy, and open-mindedness, the consensus-oriented decision-making (CODM) process encourages shared ownership of group decisions. The method can be used in any group situation, regardless of whether the final decision-making power rests with a single person or team, a vote of members, or unanimity. Business, government, nonprofit, social, and community organizations can all benefit from Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making . Whether you are a designated facilitator or an active participant, understanding this powerful framework will help you contribute to the success of your group through achieving maximum participation and efficiency, a clearer decision-making process, better decisions, and improved group dynamics. Tim Hartnett, PhD, is a group facilitator and mediator who blends extensive knowledge of non-violent communication with insightful understanding of group dynamics and effective techniques for conflict resolution.

The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication provides readers with the fundamentals they need to become functional and productive members of any small group. Readers are introduced to the fundamental issues faced by all small groups (such as socialization, development, ethics, diversity) and the procedures utilized by effective small groups (for example, task accomplishment, decision making, climate). With a focus on the individual group member, this textbook encourages readers to reflect on how their communication behaviors (e.g., communication traits, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening style) and practices (e.g., their leadership style, their conflict management style) contribute to their current small group experiences. Intended Audience This textbook is intended for introductory courses in group communication as found in department of communication studies, leadership, marketing, management, and interdisciplinary studies. Accompanied by High Quality Ancillaries! An Instructors Resource CD is available to qualified adopters. This Instructor′s Resource CD is designed to aid you in using easily The Fundamentals of Small Group Communication. The CD has been created by Scott A. Myers (West Virginia University), Katie N. Dunleavy (LaSalle University), Brianna N. Loy (West Virginia University) and Paul E. Madlock (West Virginia University). Each chapter contains the following ancillary materials: Chapter Outline Test Questions In-Class Activities PowerPoint Slides A list of paper topics is also provided in the section titled Teaching Resources.

Janis identifies the causes and fateful consequences of groupthink, the process that takes over when decision-making bodies agree for the sake of agreeing to abandon their critical judgment.

"The best book on collaboration ever written!" —Diane Flannery, founding CEO, Juma Ventures And now this classic book is even better—much better. Completely revised and updated, the second edition is loaded with new tools and techniques. Two powerful new chapters on agenda design A full section devoted to reaching closure More than twice as many tools for handling difficult dynamics 70 brand-new pages and over 100 pages significantly improved